Chained flashlight system

ABSTRACT

A chained flashlight system includes: plural flashlights; plural lighting control devices that control lighting of the plural flashlights, respectively; a communication wire; and a traffic control device. The plural lighting control devices include receiving units, controlling units, activating units, and power supply units, respectively and are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire. The traffic control device simultaneously sends an activating signal to the plural lighting control devices via the communication wire. The receiving units receive the activating signal. The controlling units activate the activating units based on a time from reception of the activating signal to activation of the activating units, set for the flashlights, respectively. When the power supply units are turned ON in an activated state of the activating units, respectively, the flashlights are lit by a lighting signal from the traffic control device, respectively.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/793,547 filed Feb. 18, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/481,336 filed Jul. 26, 2019, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/041480 filed Nov. 17, 2017, claiming priority based on Japanese Application No. 2017-012998 filed Jan. 27, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a chained flashlight system.

BACKGROUND ART

In the existing chained flashlight systems used in Japanese airports, for example, 29 flashlights (hereinafter also referred to as “lamps”) are repeatedly activated sequentially from one end of a runway to the other end at about 17 milliseconds per one lamp (0.5 seconds per one cycle), and a lighting signal is directly sent from the traffic controller (traffic control device) to each lamp. Therefore, many communication wires are used between the controller and each lamp (Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP H05-085493 A

Patent Literature 2: JP H03-116681 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In the chained flashlight system, for example, large-capacity capacitors are charged (electricity is accumulated in large-capacity capacitors) to simultaneously start multiple flashlights having high brightness.

However, the capacitors are charged in parallel. Thus, there are problems of large rush current applied to the capacitors at start-up of charging and a load applied on a power supply device and a power supply wire.

Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a chained flashlight system capable of reducing a load on a power supply wire and a power supply.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, according to the present invention there is provided a chained flashlight system which includes: plural flashlights; plural lighting control devices that control lighting of the respective flashlights, a communication wire; and a traffic control device. In the chained flashlight system, each lighting control device includes: a receiving unit; a controlling unit; an activating unit; and a power supply unit. The plural lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire. The traffic control device simultaneously sends an activating signal to the plural lighting control devices via the communication wire. The receiving unit of each of the plural lighting control devices receives the activating signal. The controlling unit of each of the plural lighting control devices activates the corresponding activating unit. When the power supply unit of each of the plural lighting control devices is turned ON in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit, the corresponding flashlight is lit by a lighting signal sent either simultaneously or at different times from the traffic control device. Each of the plural lighting control devices further includes an abnormality sensing unit. The abnormality sensing unit of each of the plural lighting control devices detects an abnormality of at least one unit selected from the group consisting the corresponding flashlight, the corresponding receiving unit, the corresponding controlling unit, the corresponding activating unit, and the corresponding power supply unit and sends an abnormal signal to the traffic control device via the communication wire.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can provide a chained flashlight system capable of reducing a load on a power supply wire and a power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a chained flashlight system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a chained flashlight system according to a second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns on the corresponding power supply unit in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit on the basis of the lighting signal from the traffic control device.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the traffic control device simultaneously sends a lighting signal to the lighting control devices via the communication wire.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns ON the corresponding power supply unit on the basis of a time condition from reception of the lighting signal to turning ON of the power supply device, set for the corresponding flashlight, in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the communication wire is capable of sending the lighting signal from the traffic control device to the lighting control devices and is a bidirectional communication wire capable of feeding back information from the lighting control device to the traffic control device, and the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, it further includes a power supply device and a power supply wire, and the lighting control devices are coupled to the power supply device by the same power supply wire. The power supply wire is, for example, of a single-phase two-wire type.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, flashlights are LED flashlights.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the traffic control device further simultaneously sends a luminous intensity designation signal to the lighting control devices via the communication wire, the receiving unit of each lighting control device receives the luminous intensity designation signal, the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns ON the corresponding power supply unit such that luminous intensity of the corresponding flashlight during an ON-state of the power supply unit becomes luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal, and when the power supply unit of each lighting control device is turned ON, the corresponding flashlight is lit so as to have the luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, each lighting control device further includes an abnormality sensing unit, the abnormality sensing unit of each lighting control device detects an abnormality of at least one unit selected from the group consisting the corresponding flashlight, the corresponding receiving unit, the corresponding controlling unit, the corresponding activating unit, and the corresponding power supply unit and sends an abnormal signal to the traffic control device via the communication wire.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, each flashlight further includes a heater, the chained flashlight system further includes heater control devices that control heating of the respective flashlights, each heater control device includes: a heater receiving unit; a heater controlling unit; and a heater power supply unit, the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the same communication wire, the traffic control device simultaneously sends a heating signal to the heater control devices via the communication wire, the heater receiving unit of each heater control device receives the heating signal, the heater controlling unit of each heater control device turns ON the corresponding heater power supply unit, and when the heater power supply unit of each heater control device is turned ON, the corresponding heater of the flashlight is turned on.

The chained flashlight system of the present invention is configured such that, for example, the traffic control device sends 1-bit information in the activating signal for a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal width is preferably 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds.

Now, description will be made as regards the chained flashlight system of the present invention in details with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following description. Note here that there may be cases where the same reference numerals are given to the same components in FIGS. 1 and 2 below, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings, for ease of description, illustration of the structures of the components may be simplified as appropriate, and the ratio of sizes of components and the like may be schematically indicated contrary to reality.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the chained flashlight system (hereinafter also referred to as “system”) according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a system 10 according to the present embodiment includes flashlights A₁ to A_(n), lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), a communication wire C, and a traffic control device D, and the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) include receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively. In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are coupled (hereinafter also referred to as “connected”) to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), respectively. The lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are connected to the traffic control device D by the same communication wire C. Although not shown, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, in order to guide an aircraft to a runway, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are arranged linearly such that the flashlight A₁ is arranged at an end on the side opposite to an approach direction for the aircraft relative to an end at an approach entrance for the aircraft in the runway, and the flashlight A_(n) is arranged at the end on the approach entrance side of the runway. In FIG. 1, an arrow AD indicates an approach direction for the aircraft.

The flashlights A₁ to A_(n) may be any lamps capable of emitting flashes, and known flashlights can be used. Specific examples thereof include as xenon light (xenon flashlight), an LED light (LED flashlight), and the like, and the LED light is preferable because it can reduce power consumption. The number n of sets based on one set of a flashlight and a lighting control device corresponding to the flashlight in the system 10 according to the present embodiment is an integer of 3 or more. However, the number n of sets may be an integer of 2 or more and can be set, as appropriate, according to the number of sets of flashlights in the chained flashlights, for example. Specifically, the number n of sets is, for example, 2 to 30, and is, for example, 29 in Japan. Moreover, in each set, the number of flashlights A_(n) connected to the lighting control device B_(n) is not particularly limited and is, for example, one. The flashlights A₁ to A_(n) may have address information Ian which can specify the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), for example.

The lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) control lighting of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) respectively. In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) have the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively and may further include other units, specifically the respective abnormality sensing units to be described below. The lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) may have address information Ib_(n) which can specify the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), for example.

The receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) receive a lighting signal. As each of the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), a receiver capable of receiving an analog signal or a digital signal according to the type of the signal sent by the traffic control device D can be used, and specific examples of the receiver include an analog signal receiver and a digital signal receiver. When the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) are analog signal receivers, they preferably include the respective digital-to-analog converters. The receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) may further have a sending function of being capable of sending information and the like on the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n). In this case, the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) can also be referred to as, for example, sending/receiving units. The information can be, for example, an abnormal signal to be described below. When the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) have a sending function and send the information to the traffic control device D by the analog signal, they preferably include the respective digital-to-analog converters. The lighting signal is, for example, a signal for instructing the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) to emit flashes. If the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lamps, such as LED lights or the like, that continue to be lit once they are lit, the lighting signal preferably includes at least one of a signal relating to the lighting time of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) or an extinguishing signal for turning OFF the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) after the elapse of the lighting time. The lighting time is, for example, 0.01 to 50 milliseconds.

The controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) activate the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) on the basis of the time condition (hereinafter also referred to as the “activation condition”) from the reception of the activating signal to the activation of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), set for the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), respectively. The controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) may be any devices capable of activating the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), respectively, and examples thereof include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, and a microcontroller. The activation condition can be any condition where a load on a power supply wire and a power supply device connected to the system 10 according to the first embodiment can be reduced. Specifically, the activation condition is preferably a time condition where all of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) are not activated simultaneously after reception of the activating signal or a time condition where the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) are activated at different times. In the latter case, the activation condition can be a time condition where the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) are activated sequentially at a predetermined time interval T_(s) from the activating unit b3 ₁ toward the activating unit b3 _(n). In this case, the activation condition is, for example, a time condition where the controlling unit b2 _(n) activates the activating unit b3 _(n) after the elapse of T_(s)×n seconds from the reception of the activating signal. The predetermined time interval T_(s) is, for example, 10 to 200 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds. The predetermined time interval T_(s) may be set considering a time lag occurring until the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) receive the activating signal sent simultaneously, for example.

When the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) are turned ON in an activated state of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), respectively, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit by a lighting signal from the traffic control device D, respectively. The power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) may be any means capable of lighting the respective flashlights A₁ to A_(n), and known voltage-applying means may be used, for example. When the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are xenon lights, the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) preferably further send a trigger signal for causing the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) to emit light. The power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) may further include the respective known electric accumulation means such as condensers (capacitors) to stabilize luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), for example. When the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) include the respective electric accumulation means, the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) turn ON the respective flashlights A₁ to A_(n) by supplying electric power in the electric accumulation means to the respective flashlights A₁ to A_(n), for example. In this case, the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) preferably start up charging at the same timing as activation of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) to reduce a rush current applied to an electric accumulation mean at the start-up of charging and further reduce a load on a power supply wire and a power supply device connected to the system 10 according to the present embodiment.

The communication wire C may be any communication wire capable of communicating data, and a known communication wire can be used. Specific examples of the communication wire C include a metal communication cable and an optical fiber communication cable. The communication wire C is preferably a metal communication cable because it is easy to attach and detach. In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the communication wire C is connected to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) in bus topology because it is easy to use the existing communication wire C, for example. However, the communication wire C may be connected to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) in other topology, such as star topology, ring topology, mesh topology, tree topology, serial topology, or the like. It is preferred that the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are connected to one another with the common (same) communication wire C such as in bus topology, serial topology, or the like because it is easy to use the existing communication wire C, for example. The lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) may be connected to one another with a different communication wire C as a substitute for the same communication wire C. In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the communication wire C functions as a communication wire for sending an activating signal from the traffic control device D to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n). Therefore, the communication wire C can also be referred to as an input communication wire, for example. The number of communication wires C is not particularly limited and may be, for example, one or two or more. In the latter case, one of the two or more communication wires may be used as an input communication wire, and the other one may be used as an output communication wire for feeding information back from the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) to the traffic control device D.

The traffic control device D simultaneously sends an activating signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C. The traffic control device D may be a device capable of generating the activating signal and can be, for example, a CPU, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller. The traffic control device D further sends a lighting signal in addition to the activating signal. The traffic control device D may simultaneously sends the lighting signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C or may send an activating signal to some or all of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) at different times, for example.

Next, a method for lighting the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) using the system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the traffic control device D simultaneously sends an activating signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C. The number of times of sending the activating signal from the traffic control device D may be one or multiple times, and however, the former is preferable. In the former case, the traffic control device D sends the activating signal once prior to the sending of one lighting signal or a set of lighting signals to be mentioned below, for example.

Next, the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) receive the activating signal sent by the traffic control device D. The controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) activate the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) on the basis of the time condition from the reception of the activating signal to the activation of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), set for the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), respectively. As a specific example, the activation condition for the controlling unit b2 _(n) is a time condition where the activating unit b3 _(n) is activated after the elapse of T_(s)×n seconds from the reception of the activating signal, and when the predetermined time T_(s) is 0.1 seconds, the activating units b3 ₁, b3 ₂, [ . . . ], and b3 _(n) are activated after about 0.1 seconds, about 0.2 seconds, [ . . . ], and about 0.1×n seconds, respectively.

Further, the traffic control device D sends a lighting signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C. The traffic control device D may simultaneously sends the lighting signal or may sends the lighting signal at different times, for example. When the lighting signal simultaneously sends the lighting signal, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are sequentially lit by the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), for example. When the lighting signal is sent at different times, the traffic control device D sends the lighting signal such that the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit sequentially, for example. The flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are arranged linearly such that the flashlight A₁ is arranged at an end on the side opposite to an approach direction for the aircraft relative to an end at an approach entrance for the aircraft in the runway, and the flashlight A_(n) is arranged at the end on the approach entrance side of the runway. Therefore, in the case where a pilot of the aircraft sees the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit sequentially along an approach direction for the aircraft (an direction indicated by the arrow AD).

As described above, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, all of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are not simultaneously activated under the activation condition. Thus, the rush current generated at activation of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) is reduced as compared with the case where all of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are activated simultaneously. Therefore, a load on the power supply device and the power supply wire connected to the system 10 according to the present embodiment can be reduced. Moreover, since the system 10 according to the present embodiment can reduce a load on the power supply device and the power supply wire, the power supply device and the power supply wire can be simplified and can be installed at low cost as compared with the case of the system where all of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are activated simultaneously, for example.

For example, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) may turn On the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) on the basis of the lighting signal from the traffic control device D in an activated state of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), respectively. As described above, when the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) control turning ON of the power supply units b4 ₁ and b4 _(n), sequential lighting of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) can be performed more easily. Moreover, in this case, for example, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) are preferably combined with the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) having a time condition until turning ON to be mentioned below to sequentially light the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) more easily.

In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the traffic control device D may simultaneously sends a lighting signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C. Moreover, in this case, for example, the traffic control device D is preferably combined with the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) having a time condition until turning ON to be mentioned below to sequentially light the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) more easily.

For example, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) turn ON the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively, on the basis of the time condition (hereinafter also referred to as the “power ON condition”) from the reception of the lighting signal to the turning ON of the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), set for the respective flashlights A₁ to A_(n) in an activated state of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n). The controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) may be any devices capable of turning ON the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively, and examples thereof include a CPU, a microprocessor, and a microcontroller. The power ON condition is preferably a time condition where the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit sequentially at a predetermined time interval T_(p) in order from the flashlight A₁ to the flashlight A_(n). As a specific example, the time condition for the controlling unit b2 _(n) is a time condition where the power supply unit b4 _(n) is turned ON after the elapse of T_(p)×n seconds from the reception of the lighting signal. The predetermined time interval T_(p) is, for example, a time interval specified by the International Standards and is specifically about 17 milliseconds, for example. The predetermined time interval T_(p) may be set considering a time lag T occurring until the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) receive the lighting signal sent simultaneously, for example. If the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are LED lights, and the lighting signal includes at least one of a signal relating to the lighting time of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) or an extinguishing signal for turning OFF the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) after the elapse of the lighting time, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) preferably turn OFF the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) on the basis of the signal relating to the lighting time or the extinguishing signal. The system 10 according to the present embodiment has the power ON condition. The flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are thus lit after the reception of the lighting signal sent by the traffic control device D on the basis of the time condition for the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n). Therefore, the traffic control device D is not required to send a different lighting signal to each lighting control device. Accordingly, a communication wire for each lighting control device is not required to be provided. Therefore, the system 10 according to the present embodiment having the power ON condition is not required to provide a communication wire for each lighting control device, and a communication wire thus can be provided at low cost. In addition, the system 10 according to the present embodiment having the power ON condition can reduce the number of existing communication wires to, for example, one while using the existing communication wire, by connecting one of the existing communication wires to all lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), for example.

The system 10 according to the present embodiment may include, for example, a communication wire. In this case, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferred that the communication wires are bidirectionally communicable wires that can send a lighting signal from the traffic control device to the lighting control devices and can feed information back from the lighting control devices to the traffic control device, and the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device. The lighting control devices are preferably coupled to the traffic control device by the same communication wire, for example. The communication wire may be, for example, a pair of communication wires. In this case, one of the communication wires is an input communication wire for sending a lighting signal from the traffic control device to the lighting control devices, and the other communication wire is an output communication wire for feeding information back from the lighting control devices to the traffic control device, and the lighting control devices are preferably coupled to the traffic control device by the same output communication wire. Between the pair of communication wires, one can also be referred to as a (+) wire, and the other can also be referred a (−) wire, for example. The input communication wire and the output communication wire can be described with reference to the description of the above-mentioned communication wire, for example. With the bidirectionally communicable communication wire or the output communication wire, information of an abnormal signal to be described below can be fed back to the traffic control device, for example. Accordingly, for example, statuses of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) can be monitored, and they can be maintained at an appropriate time.

The system 10 according to the present embodiment further includes, for example, a power supply device and a power supply wire, and the lighting control devices are coupled to the power supply device by the same power supply wire. The power supply device may supply electric power to the flashlights and the lighting control devices via the power supply wire, and a known power supply can be used, for example. The power supply wire is not particularly limited, and a known electric wire can be used. The type of the power supply wire is not particularly limited, and can be determined, as appropriate, according to a power distribution system. The type can be, for example, a single-phase two-wire type, a single-phase three-wire type, or a three-phase three-wire type and is preferably a single-phase two-wire type because wiring is easy, and installation can be performed inexpensively. In the existing chained flashlight system, single-phase three-wire type is mainly used. However, since the system 10 according to the present embodiment can reduce a load on the power supply device and the power supply wire connected to the system 10 according to the present embodiment as mentioned above, a single-phase two-sire type can also be used in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, for example.

The system 10 according to the present embodiment is preferably configured such that, for example, the traffic control device D simultaneously sends a luminous intensity designation signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C, the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) receive the luminous intensity designation signal, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) turn ON the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively, such that the luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) during the ON-state of the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) becomes luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal, and when the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are turned ON, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are activated, respectively, so as to have luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal. The luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) during the ON state, specified by the luminous intensity designation signal, is, for example, a peak luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) after turning ON of the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n). The luminous intensity designation signal may be, for example, a signal designating a numerical value of a specific luminous intensity or a signal designating a luminous intensity set in advance. The luminous intensity set in advance is not particularly limited and can be, for example, high lighting (e.g., 6000 to 20000 cd), medium lighting (e.g., 600 to 2000 cd), or low lighting (e.g., 100 to 450 cd). As described above, in the case where the luminous intensity designation signal is a signal designating a luminous intensity set in advance, for example, the luminous intensity may be set such that when the traffic control device D sends the lighting signal, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) emit flashes with a luminous intensity of high lighting, and when the traffic control device D sends the luminous intensity designation signal, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) emit flashes with a luminous intensity of medium lighting or low lighting. The system 10 according to the present embodiment can adjust the luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) to be appropriate depending on the different circumstances of the ambient brightness such as, for example, in the morning, day, evening, night, etc., by allowing the traffic control device D to send the luminous intensity designation signal. The pilot of the aircraft thus can more clearly recognize the flashes of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n).

In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) preferably further include the respective abnormality sensing units, for example. In this case, it is preferred that the abnormality sensing units of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) detect an abnormality of at least one unit selected from the group consisting of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) and send an abnormal signal to the traffic control device D via the communication wire. In the case where the communication wire is a pair of communication wires, the abnormality sensing units preferably send an abnormal signal to the traffic control device D via the output communication wire, for example. The abnormality sensing units can be determined, as appropriate, according to, for example, the type of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) and can be means for sensing voltages, currents, and the like of the respective units. Since the abnormality sensing units can easily specify a flashlight and a unit with abnormalities, address information Ian of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) or address information Ib_(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) may also be sent to the abnormality sensing units, for example. Abnormalities of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and each unit may be, for example, abnormalities of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and each unit themselves or abnormalities such as breakage of wire in the connection of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and each unit to other units. In the case where the number of communication wires C is one, the abnormality sensing units may send an abnormal signal via one communication wire C as a substitute for the output communication wire, for example. With the abnormality sensing units, the abnormal signal can be fed bad to the traffic control device. Accordingly, for example, abnormalities of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) can be monitored, and they can be maintained at an appropriate time.

In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) preferably further include the respective heaters, for example. Each heater is not particularly limited, and a known heater can be used. In the case where the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) in the system 10 according to the present embodiment include the respective heaters, it is preferable that the system 10 according to the present embodiment includes heater control devices that correspond to the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), respectively, and control the respective heaters of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), and each heater control device includes a heater receiving unit, a heater controlling unit, and a heater power supply unit, the heater control devices are coupled to the traffic control device D by the same communication wire, the traffic control device D simultaneously sends a heating signal to the heater control devices via the communication wire, the heater receiving unit of each heater control device receives the heating signal, the heater controlling unit of each heater control device turns ON the corresponding heater power supply unit, and the heaters of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit by turning ON the respective heater power supply units of the heater control devices. Specific examples of the heater receiving unit, the heater controlling unit, and the heater power supply unit can be described with reference to the description of the specific examples of the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), for example. Any one or two or more units among the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) may also have a function of the heater receiving unit, the heater controlling unit, and the heater power supply unit, for example. The communication wire C may also serve as a communication wire for sending the heating signal. When the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) include the respective heaters, snow and ice on the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) can be melted in cold climate areas where snow falls or freeze occurs, for example. Therefore, for example, a reduction in luminous intensity of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) can be prevented, and the pilot of the aircraft can more clearly recognize the flashes of the flashlights A₁ to A_(n).

In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the traffic control device D sends 1-bit information in the activating signal for a predetermined pulse signal width, for example. The predetermined pulse signal width is, for example, 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds. As a specific example, the activating signal is 256-bit information, and when the activating signal is sent as one or more signals, the traffic control device D sends 1-bit information for the first time and thereafter sends the remaining 255-bit information by 1 bit at a predetermined time interval, for example. The predetermined time interval is, for example, 0.2 to 1.95 milliseconds. The predetermined time interval is, for example, the time required to send (n+1)th 1-bit information in the activating signal from the time at which n-th 1-bit information of the activating signal is sent. The predetermined time interval is preferably constant. The proportion of the signal width (pulse width) during which 1-bit information is sent in each interval is not particularly limited. The proportion is, for example, 50% to 90%. The traffic control device D may send 1-bit information in the lighting signal for a predetermined pulse signal width in addition to or as a substitute for the activating signal. When the system 10 according to the present embodiment can specify the luminous intensity, the traffic control device D may send 1-bit information in the luminous intensity designation signal for a predetermined pulse signal width in addition to or as a substitute for the activating signal. When the system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the heaters, the traffic control device D may send 1-bit information in the heating signal for a predetermined pulse signal width in addition to or as a substitute for the activating signal. When the system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the abnormality sensing units, the traffic control device D may receive 1-bit information in the abnormal signal sent by the abnormality sensing units for a predetermined pulse signal width. In this case, the abnormality sensing units may send 1-bit information in the abnormal signal for a predetermined pulse signal width. The predetermined pulse signal widths for the lighting signal, the luminous intensity designation signal, the heating signal, and the abnormal signal can be described with reference to the descriptions of the predetermined pulse signal width for the lighting signal by reading the “activating signal” as the “lighting signal”, the “luminous intensity designation signal”, the “heating signal”, or the “abnormal signal”, for example. As described above, when the traffic control device D sends or receives 1-bit information in each signal for a predetermined pulse signal width, an influence of a noise that may be contained in each signal by surge or the like can be reduced, for example. Therefore, the system 10 including the traffic control device D that sends or receives 1-bit information in each signal for a predetermined pulse signal width is excellent in resistance to noise and signal deterioration, for example. Accordingly, as a communication wire C, a communication wire that is not an optical fiber communication cable or a communication wire that does not include a shielding wire, i.e., an existing communication wire can be used. Furthermore, by setting the proportion of the signal width to the above-mentioned proportion, the resistance to noise can further be improved, and deterioration of each signal can further be prevented, for example.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is another example of the chained flashlight system including a pair of communication wires, the power supply devices, the power supply devices, and the abnormality sensing units. FIG. 2 shows an example configuration of a chained flashlight system 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the system 20 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a pair of communication wires C as a substitute for a communication wire C1, and a pair of communication wires C2 includes an input communication wire and an output communication wire, and the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) include abnormality sensing units b5 ₁ to b5 _(n), respectively. The lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) are connected to the traffic control device D by the same input communication wire C1 and the same output communication wire C2. The system 20 according to the present embodiment further includes a power supply wire E and a power supply device F, and the lighting control devices are coupled to the power supply device F by the same power supply wire E. In the system 20 according to the present embodiment, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) turn ON the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), respectively, on the basis of the time condition from the reception of the lighting signal to the turning ON of the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), set for the respective flashlights A₁ to A_(n) in an activated state of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and the traffic control device D simultaneously sends the lighting signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the input communication wire C1. Except for this, the system 20 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the system 10 according to the first embodiment and can be described with reference to the description of the system 10 according to the first embodiment.

In the system 20 according to the present embodiment, the communication wire C includes the input communication wire C1 and the output communication wire C2. However, in the system 20 according to the present embodiment, the number of communication wires C may be one. In this case, the communication wire C may be, for example, a bidirectionally communicable communication wire.

Next, a method for lighting the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) using the system 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, in the same manner as in the system 10 according to the first embodiment, the traffic control device D sends an activating signal, and in the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), the controlling unit b2 _(n) activates the activating unit b3 _(n) after the elapse of T_(s)×n seconds from the reception of the activating signal. Thus, the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n) are activated sequentially.

Next, the traffic control device D simultaneously sends a lighting signal to the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) via the communication wire C. The number of times of sending the lighting signal from the traffic control device D may be one or multiple times, and however, the latter is preferable. In the latter case, it is preferable that the traffic control device D repeatedly sends the lighting signal for a time period specified by a user such as an air traffic controller at a predetermined time interval T_(f), for example. The predetermined time interval T_(f) is, for example, about 500 milliseconds.

Next, the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) receive the lighting signal sent by the traffic control device D. When the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n) receive the lighting signal, the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) turn ON the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) on the basis of the time condition from the reception of the lighting signal to the turning ON of the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n), set for the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), respectively. When respective power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) are turned ON, the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit. As a specific example, the time condition for the controlling unit b2 _(n) is a time condition where the power supply unit b4 _(n) is turned ON after the elapse of T_(p)×n seconds from the reception of the lighting signal. When the predetermined time interval T_(p) is about 17 milliseconds, the flashlights A₁, A₂, [ . . . ], A_(n) are lit after the elapse of about 17 milliseconds, about 34 milliseconds, [ . . . ], about 17×n milliseconds from the reception of the lighting signal, respectively. The flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are arranged linearly such that the flashlight A₁ is arranged at an end on the side opposite to an approach direction for the aircraft relative to an end at an approach entrance for the aircraft in the runway, and the flashlight A_(n) is arranged at the end on the approach entrance side of the runway. Therefore, in the case where a pilot of the aircraft sees the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), the flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit sequentially at a time interval of about 17 milliseconds along an approach direction for the aircraft (an direction indicated by the arrow AD).

As described above, in the system 20 according to the present embodiment, flashlights A₁ to A_(n) are lit after the reception of the lighting signal sent by the traffic control device D on the basis of the time condition for the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n) of the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) in an activated state of the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), respectively. In the existing chained flashlight system, a communication wire is provided for each lighting control device to individually send a lighting signal to each lighting control device by the traffic control device. However, the system 20 according to the present embodiment is not required to provide a communication wire for each lighting control device and thus can be provided at lower cost. In addition, the system 20 according to the present embodiment can reduce the number of existing communication wires to, for example, one while using the existing communication wire, by connecting one of the existing communication wires to all the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n), for example.

In the system 20 according to the present embodiment, the abnormality sensing units b5 ₁ to b5 _(n) may detect, for example, an abnormality of at least one unit selected from the group consisting of flashlights A₁ to A_(n), the receiving units b1 ₁ to b1 _(n), the controlling units b2 ₁ to b2 _(n), the activating units b3 ₁ to b3 _(n), and the power supply units b4 ₁ to b4 _(n) in the state before sending the lighting signal. As described above, by sensing an abnormality in the state before sending the lighting signal, flashlights A₁ to A_(n) and the lighting control devices B₁ to B_(n) can be replaced before using the flashlights A₁ to A_(n), for example. Accordingly, the system 20 according to the present embodiment can improve maintainability.

The present invention has been described so far with reference to the embodiments but the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Various modifications on the configuration and details of the present invention that are understandable by a person skilled in the art are possible within a scope of the present invention.

(Supplementary Notes)

Some or all of the above-described embodiments and examples may be described as, but are not limited to, the following Supplementary Notes.

(Supplementary Note 1)

A chained flashlight system, including:

multiple flashlights;

multiple lighting control devices that control lighting of the respective flashlights,

a communication wire; and

a traffic control device, wherein

each lighting control device includes: a receiving unit; a controlling unit; an activating unit; and a power supply unit,

the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the same communication wire,

the traffic control device simultaneously sends an activating signal to the lighting control devices via the communication wire,

the receiving unit of each lighting control device receives the activating signal,

the controlling unit of each lighting control device activates the corresponding activating unit on the basis of a time condition from reception of the activating signal to activation of the activating unit, set for the corresponding flashlight, and

when the power supply unit of each lighting control device is turned ON in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit, the corresponding flashlight is lit by a lighting signal from the traffic control device.

(Supplementary Note 2)

The chained flashlight system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns ON the corresponding power supply unit in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit on the basis of the lighting signal from the traffic control device.

(Supplementary Note 3)

The chained flashlight system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the traffic control device simultaneously sends a lighting signal to the lighting control devices via the communication wire.

(Supplementary Note 4)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns ON the corresponding power supply unit on the basis of a time condition from reception of the lighting signal to turning ON of the power supply device, set for the corresponding flashlight, in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit.

(Supplementary Note 5)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the communication wire is capable of sending the lighting signal from the traffic control device to the lighting control devices and is a bidirectional communication wire capable of feeding back information from the lighting control device to the traffic control device, and

the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire.

(Supplementary Note 6)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further including:

a power supply device; and

a power supply wire, wherein

the lighting control devices are coupled to the power supply device by the same power supply wire.

(Supplementary Note 7)

The chained flashlight system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the power supply wire is of a single-phase two-wire type.

(Supplementary Note 8)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the flashlights are LED flashlights.

(Supplementary Note 9)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein

the traffic control device further simultaneously sends a luminous intensity designation signal to the lighting control devices via the communication wire,

the receiving unit of each lighting control device receives the luminous intensity designation signal,

the controlling unit of each lighting control device turns ON the corresponding power supply unit such that luminous intensity of the corresponding flashlight during an ON-state of the power supply unit becomes luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal, and

when the power supply unit if each lighting control device is turned ON, the corresponding flashlight is lit so as to have luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal.

(Supplementary Note 10)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 9, wherein

each lighting control device further includes an abnormality sensing unit,

the abnormality sensing unit of each lighting control device detects an abnormality of at least one unit selected from the group consisting the corresponding flashlight, the corresponding receiving unit, the corresponding controlling unit, the corresponding activating unit, and the corresponding power supply unit and sends an abnormal signal to the traffic control device via the communication wire.

(Supplementary Note 11)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein

each flashlight further includes a heater,

the chained flashlight system further includes heater control devices that control heating of the respective flashlights,

each heater control device includes: a heater receiving unit; a heater controlling unit; and a heater power supply unit,

the lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the same communication wire,

the traffic control device simultaneously sends a heating signal to the heater control devices via the communication wire,

the heater receiving unit of each heater control device receives the heating signal, the heater controlling unit of each heater control device turns ON the corresponding heater power supply unit, and

when the heater power supply unit of each heater control device is turned ON, the corresponding heater of the flashlight is turned on.

(Supplementary Note 12)

The chained flashlight system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein the traffic control device sends 1-bit information in the activating signal for a predetermined pulse signal width.

(Supplementary Note 13)

The chained flashlight system according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the predetermined pulse signal width is 0.1 to 499.9 milliseconds.

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2017-012998, filed on Jan. 27, 2017, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein its entirety by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can provide a chained flashlight system capable of reducing a load on a power supply wire and a power supply. Thus, the present invention is really useful in the aeronautical field, for example.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10, 20: chained flashlight system -   A₁, A₂, A_(n): flashlight -   AD: approach direction -   B₁, B₂, B_(n): lighting control device -   b1 ₁, b1 ₂, b1 _(n): receiving unit -   b2 ₁, b2 ₂, b2 _(n): controlling unit -   b3 ₁, b3 ₂, b3 _(n): activating unit -   b4 ₁, b4 ₂, b4 _(n): power supply unit -   b5 ₁, b5 ₂, and b5 _(n): abnormality sensing unit -   C: communication wire -   C1: input communication wire -   C2: output communication wire -   D: traffic control device -   E: power supply wire -   F: power supply device 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A chained flashlight system, comprising: plural flashlights; plural lighting control devices that control lighting of the respective flashlights, a communication wire; and a traffic control device, wherein each of the plural lighting control devices comprises: a receiving unit; a controlling unit; an activating unit; and a power supply unit, the plural lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire, the traffic control device simultaneously sends an activating signal and a luminous intensity designation signal to the plural lighting control devices via the communication wire, the receiving unit of each of the plural lighting control devices receives the activating signal and the luminous intensity designation signal, the controlling unit of each of the plural lighting control device activates the corresponding activating unit, and the receiving units of the lighting control devices receive the luminous intensity designation signal, the controlling units of the lighting control devices turn ON the power supply units, respectively, such that the luminous intensity of the flashlights during the ON-state of the power supply units becomes luminous intensity specified by the luminous intensity designation signal, and when the power supply units of the lighting control devices are turned ON.
 2. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity designation signal is a signal designating a luminous intensity set in advance, the luminous intensity may be set when the traffic control device sends the lighting signal, the flashlights emit flashes with a luminous intensity of high lighting, and when the traffic control device sends the luminous intensity designation signal, the flashlights emit flashes with a luminous intensity of medium lighting or low lighting.
 3. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the luminous intensity set in advance is 6000 to 20000 cd as high lighting, 600 to 2000 cd as medium lighting and 100 to 450 cd as low lighting.
 4. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the controlling unit of each of the plural lighting control devices activates the corresponding activating unit on the basis of a time condition from reception of the activating signal to activation of the activating unit, set for the corresponding-flashlight.
 5. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the controlling unit of each of the plural lighting control devices turns ON the corresponding power supply unit on the basis of a time condition from reception of the lighting signal to turning ON of the power supply device, set for the corresponding flashlight, in an activated state of the corresponding activating unit, and the communication wire is capable of sending the lighting signal from the traffic control device to the plural lighting control devices and is a bidirectional communication wire capable of feeding back information from the plural lighting control devices to the traffic control device, and the plural lighting control devices are coupled to the traffic control device by the communication wire.
 6. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply device; and a power supply wire, wherein the plural lighting control devices are coupled to the power supply device by the same power supply wire.
 7. The chained flashlight system according to claim 6, wherein the power supply wire is of a single-phase two-wire type.
 8. The chained flashlight system according to claim 1, wherein the flashlights are LED flashlights. 